Choose the right goalSTEP 1: SET
Choose the right goal
Give to others – by fundraising and mentoring a young person at risk through a local charity
Set a specific target and deadline
Start a twelve-month mentoring programme by e.g. May 2017
Break it down into manageable steps
Finalize agreement with charity by e.g. February 2017 and start mentoring and fundraising in e.g. May 2017
STEP 2: PLAN
Keep it simple
Meet with my mentee every Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Create an actionable plan
Schedule to leave work by 4 p.m. every Tuesday, and plan a mix of educational, fun and reflective weekly activities, as well as three challenges to complete together over the course of the year
STEP 3: COMMIT
Make it public and write it down
Set up a fundraising webpage that includes details of commitments to meet mentee every week and undertake three challenges together to fundraise £1,000 over the year
STEP 4: REWARD
Build good habits through smaller rewards
Treat yourself to favourite takeaways after mentoring
Ask for help
Ask family, friends and colleagues for suggestions for activities and challenges to do with your mentee
Tap into your social networks
Use social media networks to help fundraise
STEP 6: FEEDBACK
Know where you stand in relation to your goal
Keep a log of the activities and challenges done, plus amount fundraised vs target
Make feedback timely, specific and actionable
Ask your mentee for regular feedback on your activities and challenges, and assess their progress. Cross-check this with others who are close to your mentee (e.g. parents, charity, school reports) for their views on progress
STEP 7: STICK
Practice with focus and effort
Practise different mentoring and coaching techniques, in particular by using active constructive responding and developing your active listening skills
Reflect and celebrate
At the end of twelve months, ask mentee about favourite activities and most important discussions/lessons – and create a photo for you both to keep related to these moments